The Association Between Magnet ® Recognition and Patient Outcomes : A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Previous systematic reviews have explored nurse, patient, and organizational outcomes in Magnet®-recognized hospitals compared with non-Magnet hospitals, yet these did not comprehensively review a wide variety of patient outcomes. AIM: The purpose of this scoping review was to describe the findings from published research evaluating patient outcomes in Magnet-recognized hospitals compared with non-Magnet hospitals. METHODS: A medical librarian conducted a systematic search for published peer-reviewed, English-language literature and a search of the reference lists for retrieved publications to identify articles addressing Magnet compared with non-Magnet hospitals related to patient outcomes. RESULTS: Four patient outcomes improved in Magnet-designated hospitals: mortality, patient satisfaction, failure to rescue, and falls. Four patient outcomes showed undesirable or mixed outcomes. Five patient outcomes had insufficient evidence regarding patient outcomes when treated at Magnet-recognized hospitals. CONCLUSION: Magnet Recognition® is associated with improvement in a distinct set of patient outcomes, but not all key outcome measures. Standardized outcomes and rigorous study designs are needed to further explore the impact of Magnet Recognition on a wide variety of patient outcomes.

A Study of Medical Surgical Nurses Leaders' Evidence-Based Practice Attributes: Critical Implications for Practice.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine medical-surgical nurse leaders' evidence-based practice (EBP) attributes, perceived barriers to EBP, and whether there were differences in leaders' EBP competencies and EBP implementation by demographic and organizational factors. BACKGROUND: Leaders are crucial to the development of cultures that support EBP implementation, but little is known about medical-surgical nurse leaders' capacity to perform this aspect of their role. METHODS: A cross-sectional design using survey methodology was used. The survey contained demographic/work setting questions and 3 instruments to measure EBP beliefs, implementation, and competencies. RESULTS: Senior leaders self-reported higher EBP attributes compared with nurses in other roles; nurses with an MSN or higher reported greater frequency of EBP implementation. A regression revealed that EBP competencies, EBP beliefs, having a DNP degree, and working in an Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses Premier Recognition In the Specialty of Med-surg unit or a Pathway to Excellence® organization had significant, positive effects on EBP implementation scores ( R2 = 0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate there is a range of EBP beliefs and competencies, and barriers to EBP among medical-surgical nurse leaders. Because medical-surgical nursing is the largest acute care practice specialty in the United States and many other countries, leaders fully integrating EBP into their practice would be a substantial contribution to advancing EBP in healthcare.

Development and Evaluation of the Fuld Institute Evidence-based Implementation and Sustainability Toolkit for Health Care Settings.

Routine implementation and sustainability of evidence-based practices (EBPs) into health care is often the most difficult stage in the change process. Despite major advances in implementation science and quality improvement, a persistent 13- to 15-year research-to-practice gap remains. Nurse leaders may benefit from tools to support implementation that are based on scientific evidence and can be readily integrated into complex health care settings. This article describes development and evaluation of an evidence-based implementation and sustainability toolkit used by health care clinicians seeking to implement EBPs. For this project, implementation science and EBP experts created initial iterations of the toolkit based on Rogers' change theory, the Advancing Research through Close Collaboration (ARCC) model, and phases and strategies from implementation science. Face validity and end-user feedback were obtained after piloting the tool with health care clinicians participating in immersive EBP sessions. The toolkit was then modified, with subsequent content validity and usability evaluations conducted among implementation science experts and health care clinicians. This article presents the newly updated Fuld Institute Evidence-based Implementation and Sustainability Toolkit for health care settings. Nurse leaders seeking to implement EBPs may benefit from an evidence-based toolkit to provide a science-informed approach to implementation and sustainability of practice changes.

Budgetary investment in evidence-based practice by chief nurses and stronger EBP cultures are associated with less turnover and better patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Hospitals and healthcare systems strive to meet benchmarks for the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicator (NDNQI) measures, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Core Measures, and Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) outcome indicators. Prior research indicates that Chief Nursing Officers and Executives (CNOs, CNEs) believe that evidence-based practice (EBP) is important for ensuring the quality of care, but they allocate little funding to its implementation and report it as a low priority in their healthcare system. It is not known how EBP budget investment by chief nurses affects NDNQI, CMS Core Measures, and HCAHPS indicators or key EBP attributes and nurse outcomes. AIMS: This study aimed to generate evidence on the relationships among the budget devoted to EBP by chief nurses and its impact on key patient and nurse outcomes along with EBP attributes. METHODS: A descriptive correlational design was used. An online survey was sent to CNO and CNE members (N = 5026) of various national and regional nurse leader professional organizations across the United States in two recruitment rounds. Data collected included CNO/CNE EBP Beliefs, EBP Implementation, and perceived organizational culture of EBP; organizational culture, structure, personnel, and resources for EBP; percent of budget dedicated to EBP; key performance measures (NDNQI, CMS Core Measures, HCAHPS); nurse satisfaction; nurse turnover; and demographic questions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics. Kendall's Tau correlation coefficients were calculated among EBP budget, nursing outcome measures, and EBP measures. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen CNEs/CNOs completed the survey (a 2.3% response rate). The majority (60.9%) allocated <5% of their budget to EBP, with a third investing none. An increase in EBP budget was associated with fewer patient falls and trauma, less nursing turnover, and stronger EBP culture and other positive EBP attributes. A greater number of EBP projects were also associated with better patient outcomes. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Chief nurse executives and CNOs allocate very little of their budgets to EBP. When CNEs and CNOs invest more in EBP, patient, nursing, and EBP outcomes improve. System-wide implementation of EBP, which includes appropriate EBP budget allocation, is necessary for improvements in hospital quality indicators and nursing turnover.

Evidence-based practice improves patient outcomes and healthcare system return on investment: Findings from a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice and decision-making have been consistently linked to improved quality of care, patient safety, and many positive clinical outcomes in isolated reports throughout the literature. However, a comprehensive summary and review of the extent and type of evidence-based practices (EBPs) and their associated outcomes across clinical settings are lacking. AIMS: The purpose of this scoping review was to provide a thorough summary of published literature on the implementation of EBPs on patient outcomes in healthcare settings. METHODS: A comprehensive librarian-assisted search was done with three databases, and two reviewers independently performed title/abstract and full-text reviews within a systematic review software system. Extraction was performed by the eight review team members. RESULTS: Of 8537 articles included in the review, 636 (7.5%) met the inclusion criteria. Most articles (63.3%) were published in the United States, and 90% took place in the acute care setting. There was substantial heterogeneity in project definitions, designs, and outcomes. Various EBPs were implemented, with just over a third including some aspect of infection prevention, and most (91.2%) linked to reimbursement. Only 19% measured return on investment (ROI); 94% showed a positive ROI, and none showed a negative ROI. The two most reported outcomes were length of stay (15%), followed by mortality (12%). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Findings indicate that EBPs improve patient outcomes and ROI for healthcare systems. Coordinated and consistent use of established nomenclature and methods to evaluate EBP and patient outcomes are needed to effectively increase the growth and impact of EBP across care settings. Leaders, clinicians, publishers, and educators all have a professional responsibility related to improving the current state of EBP. Several key actions are needed to mitigate confusion around EBP and to help clinicians understand the differences between quality improvement, implementation science, EBP, and research.

Equipping Nurses to Lead Evidence-Based Practice: An Opportunity for Professional Nursing Associations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the evidence-based practice (EBP) attributes among California nurse leaders who are members of a professional nursing organization. BACKGROUND: Nurse leaders are pivotal for successful EBP implementation. The Association of California Nurse Leaders' (ACNL) mission to equip nurses to lead self, others, and systems propelled them to conduct a study of members' EBP beliefs, knowledge, competencies, and implementation. METHODS: Evidence-based practice attributes of California nurse leaders were measured using valid and reliable scales via an anonymous, electronic survey. RESULTS: Although ahead in the subjective EBP scales, California nurse leaders' perceptions of organizational EBP culture were comparable with those of a similar national sample. Scores still indicated opportunities for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse leaders must be prepared to lead EBP in their organizations. Professional organizations such as ACNL have an opportunity to help leaders by conducting research and assessing and meeting their members' learning needs.

Establishment of Nurse Manager Leadership Competencies to Support Clinicians in Evidence-Based Practice.

OBJECTIVE: This 2-part study was conducted to validate nurse manager (NM) leadership competencies that support clinicians in using evidence-based practice (EBP). BACKGROUND: Numerous studies validate the critical need for NM support among clinicians seeking to engage in EBP. METHODS: In phase 1, a Delphi study was conducted to establish the validity of a set of NM leadership competencies that support EBP. In phase 2, descriptive analyses, tests of significance, and reliability coefficients were used to assess reliability. RESULTS: An expert panel achieved consensus on a set of 22 NM leadership competencies that constitute effective support for EBP. Further quantitative analyses demonstrated excellent levels of internal consistency and overall consistent outcomes across time. CONCLUSION: A valid set of 22 NM leadership competencies with evidence of reliability that successfully support clinicians to engage in EBP in clinical settings was established.

Medical-surgical nurses' EBP beliefs and competencies.

BACKGROUND: The lack of evidence-based practice (EBP) knowledge and inability to implement EBP among nurses is a major barrier to quality nursing care. The literature shows that nurses highly value the use of EBP, however, they lack necessary EBP competencies. Although medical-surgical nurses were included in studies examining cross-sections of the nursing workforce, no studies exist specifically investigating their EBP beliefs and EBP competencies. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to describe medical-surgical nurses' self-reported EBP beliefs and competencies. METHOD: A descriptive, cross-sectional design employing survey methodology was used. RESULTS: A total of 1,709 medical-surgical nurses participated for a response rate of 13%. The findings revealed that medical-surgical nurses had positive beliefs about EBP. However, they rated themselves competent in only 2 EBP competencies of 24. Medical-surgical nurses working in units or organizations that had a special designation such as Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses Premier Recognition in the Specialty of Med-Surg (AMSN PRISM; p = .001) or Pathway to Excellence (p = .006) reported greater EBP competency scores. Also, nurses educated at the master's level or higher had better EBP competency scores (p < .0001). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Medical-surgical nurses need support at the personal and organizational levels to improve their EBP competence and increase uptake of EBP in their practice. Therefore, individual nurses must reflect on their EBP competence level and pursue opportunities to develop these essential attributes. Leaders must also create practice environments where EBP is valued, and barriers to EBP implementation are eliminated. Faculty in prelicensure and graduate programs should integrate EBP into their curricula and assess students' EBP competencies.

EBP education and skills building for leaders: An RCT to promote EBP infrastructure, process and implementation in a comprehensive cancer center.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in healthcare remains challenging. The influence of leadership has been recognized. However, few randomized trials have tested effects of an educational and skills building intervention for leaders in clinical settings. AIMS: Test effects of an EBP leadership immersion intervention on EBP attributes over time among two cohorts of leaders at a national comprehensive cancer center. METHODS: A stratified, randomized, wait-list group, controlled design was conducted. Participants received the evidence-based intervention one year apart (2020, n = 36; 2021, n = 30) with EBP knowledge, beliefs, competencies, implementation self-efficacy, implementation behaviors, and organizational readiness measured at pre- and post-intervention, and one- and two-year follow-ups. Participants applied learnings to a specific clinical or organization priority topic. RESULTS: Baseline outcomes variables and demographics did not differ between cohorts except for age and years of experience. Both cohorts demonstrated significant changes in EBP attributes (except organizational readiness) post-intervention. Mixed linear modeling revealed group by time effects at 3-months for all EBP attributes except implementation behaviors and organizational readiness after the first intervention, favoring cohort 2020, with retained effects for EBP beliefs and competencies at one year. Following Cohort 2021 intervention, at 12-weeks post-intervention, implementation behaviors were significantly higher for cohort 2021. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: An intensive EBP intervention can increase healthcare leaders' EBP knowledge and competencies. Aligning EBP projects with organizational priorities is strategic. Follow-up with participants to retain motivation, knowledge and competencies is essential. Future research must demonstrate effects on clinical outcomes.

Evidence-Based Practice Culture and Mentorship Predict EBP Implementation, Nurse Job Satisfaction, and Intent to Stay: Support for the ARCC© Model.

BACKGROUND: The Advancing Research and Clinical practice through close Collaboration (ARCC© ) Model is a system-wide framework for implementing and sustaining evidence-based practice (EBP) in hospitals and healthcare systems. The model involves assessing organizational culture and readiness for EBP in addition to the development of a critical mass of EBP mentors who work with point-of-care clinicians to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based care. Determining how the various components of the ARCC© Model relate to one another is important for understanding how EBP culture and mentorship impact EBP implementation, nurses' job satisfaction, and intent to stay. AIMS: The current study aimed to test a model that could explain the relationships and direct pathways among eight key variables in the ARCC© Model: (1) EBP culture, (2) mentorship, (3) knowledge, (4) beliefs, (5) competency, (6) implementation, (7) nurses' job satisfaction, and (8) intent to stay. METHODS: Structural equation modeling was used to test relationships among the variables in the ARCC© Model with data obtained from an earlier cross-sectional descriptive study with 2,344 nurses from 19 hospitals and healthcare systems across the United States. RESULTS: The final structural equation model found that EBP culture and mentorship were key variables that positively impacted EBP knowledge, beliefs, competency, implementation, job satisfaction, and intent to stay among nurses. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: As described in the ARCC© Model, establishing a strong sustainable EBP culture along with a critical mass of EBP mentors is crucial for the development of EBP competency and consistent implementation of evidence-based care by nurses. A strong EBP culture along with EBP mentorship also can result in higher job satisfaction and intent to stay. Implementation of the ARCC© Model is a key strategy in assisting systems to reach health care's Quadruple Aim.

Psychometric Properties of the Short Versions of the EBP Beliefs Scale, the EBP Implementation Scale, and the EBP Organizational Culture and Readiness Scale.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a problem-solving approach to clinical decision making that leads to a higher quality and safety of health care. Three valid and reliable scales that measure EBP attributes, including the EBP Beliefs Scale, the EBP Implementation Scale, and the Organizational Culture and Readiness Scale for System-Wide Integration of EBP, are widely used but require approximately 5 min each to complete. Shorter valid and reliable versions of these scales could offer the benefit of less time for completion, thereby decreasing participant burden. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the three shortened EBP scales, adapted from the longer versions. METHODS: This study used a descriptive survey design with 498 nurses who completed the three original EBP scales along with a shortened version of each scale. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted with principal components extracted to examine the factor structure of each EBP measure for the three shortened EBP scales. Item intercorrelations and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) were used to confirm the validity of using factor analysis. Reliability of each scale using Cronbach's α was examined. Convergent validity of the three shortened EBP scales was assessed by correlating each shortened scale with its longer scale. RESULTS: Factor analysis supported the construct validity of each of the three shortened scales, as all item intercorrelations were greater than 0.40, and KMO values were 0.62 to 0.74. The shortened scales Cronbach alphas were 0.81 for the EBP Beliefs Scale, 0.89 for the EBP Implementation Scale, and 0.87 for the EBP Culture and Readiness Scale. The three shortened EBP scales had acceptable convergent validity (r = 0.42-.072) for the correlations between the shortened and longer scales. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: The three shortened EBP scales, which are valid and reliable, can be used as an alternative to the longer three scales to decrease participant burden when conducting program evaluations, research, or organizational assessments.

Transforming Healthcare to Evidence-Based Healthcare: A Failure of Leadership.

The adoption of evidence-based decision-making and practice in healthcare has been slow. This article discusses the critical role of leaders in steering this transformative work.

The Impact of the Electronic Health Record on Moving New Evidence-Based Nursing Practices Forward.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal reports from across the country highlight the fact that nurses are facing major challenges in moving new evidence-based practice (EBP) initiatives into the electronic health record (EHR). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to: (a) learn current processes for embedding EBP into EHRs, (b) uncover facilitators and barriers associated with rapid movement of new evidence-based nursing practices into the EHR and (c) identify strategies and processes that have been successfully implemented in healthcare organizations across the nation. METHODS: A qualitative study design was utilized. Purposive sampling was used to recruit nurses from across the country (N = 29). Nine focus group sessions were conducted. Semistructured interview questions were developed. Focus groups were conducted by video and audio conferencing. Using an inductive approach, each transcript was read and initial codes were generated resulting in major themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Five major themes were identified: (a) barriers to advancing EBP secondary to the EHR, (b) organizational structure and governing processes of the EHR, (c) current processes for prioritization of EHR changes, (d) impact on ability of clinicians to implement EBP and (e) wait times and delays. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Delays in moving new EBP practice changes into the EHR are significant. These delays are sources of frustration and job dissatisfaction. Our results underscore the importance of a priori planning for anticipated changes and building expected delays into the timeline for EBP projects. Moreover, nurse executives must advocate for greater representation of nursing within informatics technology governance structures and additional resources to hire nurse informaticians.

The Effects of an Intensive Evidence-Based Practice Educational and Skills Building Program on EBP Competency and Attributes.

BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a systematic problem-solving approach to the delivery of health care that improves quality and population health outcomes as well as reduces costs and empowers clinicians to fully engage in their role, otherwise known as the quadruple aim in health care. The Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare at The Ohio State University College of Nursing has been offering 5-day EBP immersion programs since 2012. The goal of the program is for the participants to acquire EBP competence (e.g., knowledge, skills, and attitude) and sustain it over time. PURPOSE AND AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the 5-day EBP immersion (i.e., an education and skills building program) on EBP attributes and competence over time. METHOD AND DESIGN: A longitudinal pre-experimental study was conducted that gathered data with an anonymous online survey from 400 program attendees who attended 16 5-day immersions between September 2014 and May 2016. Participants completed five valid and reliable instruments at four points over 12 months, including EBP beliefs, implementation, competency, knowledge, and perception of organizational readiness and culture. RESULTS: Findings indicated statistically significant improvements in EBP attributes and competency over time. The results of this study support the hypotheses that EBP competency and attributes can be significantly improved and sustained by attending an intensive 5-day EBP educational and skills building program such as the one described in this study. This study can help leaders and organizations to mitigate many of the traditional barriers to EBP. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: The results of this study indicate that EBP attributes and competencies can be improved and sustained by attending an intensive 5-day EBP immersion, regardless of clinicians' prior educational preparation.

Impact of a Formal Educational Skill-Building Program Based on the ARCC Model to Enhance Evidence-Based Practice Competency in Nurse Teams.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) is necessary for healthcare systems to improve quality, safety, patient outcomes, and costs. Yet, EBP competency is lacking in many nurses and clinicians across the country. AIM: The purpose of this initiative was to determine whether nursing teams (Executive Leader, Clinical/Mid-level Leader, and Direct Care Nurse) attending a 5-day EBP continuing education skill-building program (immersion) was an effective strategy to build EBP competence, practice, and culture sustainability over time. The Advancing Research and Clinical Practice Through Close Collaboration Model was used to guide this initiative. METHODS: A project team was assembled, including leaders with EBP expertise from the Air Force Medical Service and The Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for EBP in Nursing and Healthcare at The Ohio State University. Five survey instruments were used to evaluate outcomes, including Organizational Culture and Readiness for System-Wide Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice, Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs, Evidence-Based Practice Implementation, and Evidence-Based Practice Competencies, as well as the Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire test. Nursing teams were invited to participate and complete the program with the implementation of EBP projects over the following year. RESULTS: Participants' EBP knowledge, skills, competencies, and beliefs were significantly improved and sustained over 12 months. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: A team-based EBP skill-building program was an effective strategy for building EBP competence, practice, and culture. This initiative demonstrated that the direct involvement of leadership and infrastructure to support EBP were crucial factors for building and sustaining an EBP culture.

Practicing Healthcare Professionals' Evidence-Based Practice Competencies: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies are essential for all practicing healthcare professionals to provide evidence-based, quality care, and improved patient outcomes. The multistep EBP implementation process requires multifaceted competencies to successfully integrate best evidence into daily healthcare delivery. AIMS: To summarize and synthesize the current research literature on practicing health professionals' EBP competencies (i.e., their knowledge, skills, attitudes, beliefs, and implementation) related to employing EBP in clinical decision-making. DESIGN: An overview of systematic reviews. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched on practicing healthcare professionals' EBP competencies published in January 2012-July 2017. A total of 3,947 publications were retrieved, of which 11 systematic reviews were eligible for a critical appraisal of methodological quality. Three independent reviewers conducted the critical appraisal using the Rapid Critical Appraisal tools developed by the Helene Fuld National Institute for Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare. RESULTS: Practicing healthcare professionals' self-reported EBP knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs were at a moderate to high level, but they did not translate into EBP implementation. Considerable overlap existed in the source studies across the included reviews. Few reviews reported any impact of EBP competencies on changes in care processes or patient outcomes. Most reviews were methodologically of moderate quality. Significant variation in study designs, settings, interventions, and outcome measures in the source studies precluded any comparisons of EBP competencies across healthcare disciplines. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: As EBP is a shared competency, the development, adoption, and use of an EBP competency set for all healthcare professionals are a priority along with using actual (i.e., performance-based), validated outcome measures. The widespread misconceptions and misunderstandings that still exist among large proportions of practicing healthcare professionals about the basic concepts of EBP should urgently be addressed to increase engagement in EBP implementation and attain improved care quality and patient outcomes.

Endorsement and Validation of the Essential Evidence-Based Practice Competencies for Practicing Nurses in Finland: An Argument Delphi Study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore nurses' views and establish consensus on the key content of the essential evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies developed by Melnyk et al. (2014, Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 11, 5) for practicing registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice nurses (APNs) among Finnish nurse panelists. BACKGROUND: Broad-based integration of best evidence into daily practice is central to effectively improving care quality and patient outcomes. EBP competencies allow healthcare professionals and organizations to clarify performance expectations regarding EBP and succinctly outline the expected competencies for successful application of best evidence to daily care. DESIGN: A modified Policy Delphi study design. METHODS: The Delphi panel was conducted in late 2017 among 14 Finnish nurse clinicians, educators, and leaders with a special interest in EBP. The data were collected using an eDelphi Internet application and the Argument Delphi method, highlighting the panelists' different perspectives. Standardized guidelines and descriptive statistics were used to translate the essential EBP competencies into Finnish and analyze the data. RESULTS: The Finnish Delphi panel endorsed and validated the essential EBP competencies for practicing RNs and APNs with a few minor modifications. Of the 13 essential EBP competencies for practicing RNs, consensus was established among the Delphi panelists over two rounds on all but one of the EBP competencies. Of the 11 additional essential EBP competencies for practicing APNs, consensus was established over two Delphi rounds on all the EBP competencies for APNs. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: As EBP is a shared competency and the key principles and steps of EBP implementation are universal, the international endorsement and validation of national consensus-based, clinical practice-oriented EBP competency sets establish an international quality standard for nurses to aspire to and attain on EBP and provide guidance for nurses in integrating best evidence into their daily practice, facilitating broad-based, consistent implementation of EBP worldwide.

Top-of-License Nursing Practice, Part 2: Differentiating BSN and ADN Perceptions of Top-of-License Activities.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe differences in associate degree (ADN) and baccalaureate degree-prepared (BSN) nurses' perceptions of top-of-license (TOL) practice. BACKGROUND: To date, no empirical work has examined whether ADN and BSN nurses approach TOL practice nursing activities differently. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative pilot study with focus groups to explore the perceptions of a group of ADN- and BSN-prepared nurses concerning nursing activities and their relation to TOL practice. RESULTS: Subthemes emerged differentiating how ADN and BSN nurses perceived their responsibilities related to critical thinking, communication, and patient education. For professional nursing care, 5 subthemes further emerged: (a) approaches to assessment, (b) chart review, (c) psychosocial patient care, (d) documentation, and (e) handoff. CONCLUSIONS: The differences identified in approaches to TOL practice activities by educational preparation have implications for staffing patterns that can optimize the contribution of ADN- and BSN-prepared nurses. Further research is indicated.

Top-of-License Nursing Practice: Describing Common Nursing Activities and Nurses' Experiences That Hinder Top-of-License Practice, Part 1.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to describe nurses' perceptions of nursing activities and analyze for consistency with top-of-license (TOL) practice. BACKGROUND: The Advisory Board Company expert panel proposed 8 TOL core nursing responsibilities representing practice at its potential. Thus far, no empirical work has examined nursing practices relative to TOL, from staff nurses' points of view. METHODS: This qualitative study used focus groups to explore perceptions of typical nursing activities. We analyzed activities for themes that described nurses' work during typical shifts. RESULTS: Nurses' full scope of work included TOL-consistent categories, as well as categories that did not exemplify TOL practice, such as nonnursing care. A proposed model was developed, which depicts nurses' total scope of work, inclusive of all activity categories. In addition, hindrances to TOL practice were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study can inform leadership imperatives and the development of innovative, sustainable nursing practice models that support nursing practice at TOL.